Mission

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting respect by Armed Groups, De Facto Authorities (AGDAs) and Provisional Governments for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence, in particular those related to the protection of civilians. Geneva Call focuses its efforts on banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children from the effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence in armed conflict, working towards the elimination of gender discrimination, protecting civilian infrastructure, and ensuring humanitarian access.

Why this Role?

The Head of Programme provides overall leadership, technical oversight, strategic direction, and management of Geneva Call’s programmatic portfolio in the country. This includes ensuring high-quality programme design, effective and donor-compliant implementation, sound financial management, and strong team leadership. The role requires working in complex and dynamic contexts, adapting programmatic strategies to meet changing needs, representing Geneva Call at diverse fora and with key stakeholders and building partnerships, and ensuring that all implementation aligns with Geneva Call’s mandate, values, and operational priorities.

Additional Local Context

Geneva Call has had a longstanding presence in Sudan and operates across the country, in various locations, with current flexible presence in Khartoum, Darfur, and Blue Nile. Over the course of its engagement in Sudan, Geneva Call has successfully signed six Deeds of Commitment with armed groups, trained 500+ members of armed groups, and supported several access initiatives. The new Head of Programme will be joining a small team and a dynamic and growing program, with opportunities to bring creative thinking, contextually sensitive problem solving, and innovation to implementation on the ground. While she/he will be based at the coordination office in Port Sudan, she/he will be required to frequently travel to Geneva Call’s base offices and areas of implementation to monitor activities and manage Geneva Call’s relationships with different stakeholders. For this reason, she/he should have a proficiency in Arabic to communicate effectively with officials, stakeholders, and partners in Sudan. In addition, she/he should have knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and/or of general and specialized protection programming, which are essential to Geneva Call’s core work.

Ideally, she/he has experience in proposal development and reporting for key North American and European donors, preferred experience with FCDO, DG ECHO, Global Affairs Canada, and GFFO.

Work Relations

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Head of Programme will provide overall leadership, technical oversight, management and strategic vision of the program of Geneva Call while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program meets its objectives and deliverable timely, qualitatively and within budget. The Head of Programme will work in a fluctuating and uncertain context and constantly adapt the answer of Geneva Call.

Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the design, adaptation, and delivery of country programme strategies in alignment with Geneva Call’s global priorities and operational guidelines.
• Provide strategic oversight to ensure that programmes are contextually relevant, conflict-sensitive, and responsive to humanitarian needs.
• Lead business development, including identifying and engaging new donors and relevant funding opportunities, and managing relations with Geneva Call’s current donors.
• Develop high quality proposals that meet donor requirements and align with Geneva Call’s global, regional, and country strategies. Conduct conflict and needs analyses and integrate these into programme design, monitoring, and adaptation.
• Foster innovation and identify new opportunities for engagement, partnerships, and growth.

Programme Management and Coordination

• Oversee the planning, delivery, and monitoring of all projects in line with project cycle management standards.
• Ensure that project implementation meets agreed objectives, quality standards, and donor requirements.
• Monitor project expenditure against budgets and ensure compliance with Geneva Call policies, donor requirements, and accountability standards.
• Safeguard all programmatic data and ensure proper documentation and filing systems.
• Lead the development of timely and high-quality donor reports and internal programme reports.

Team Leadership and Human Resource Management

• Line-manage senior programme staff and oversee recruitment, induction, and professional development.
• Promote a safe, collaborative, and high-performing team culture that aligns with Geneva Call’s values.
• Ensure effective coordination among programme teams and with other departments (finance, logistics, HR).
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and capacity-building to strengthen team skills and performance.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, performance management processes, and safeguarding standards.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Ensure robust MEAL systems are in place to track progress, assess impact, and inform programme adaptation.
• Support evidence-based decision-making and promote a learning culture within the team.
• Lead periodic internal programme reviews and contribute to evaluations and audits.

External and internal Relations, Advocacy, and Representation

• Represent Geneva Call with national authorities, donors, coordination bodies, and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to advocacy and policy engagement in line with Geneva Call’s mandate and country strategy.
• Support the development and implementation of communications and visibility plans, ensuring sensitivity to security and perception risks.
• Participate in humanitarian coordination structures and build and maintain strategic partnerships to enhance programme impact and sustainability.
• Maintain effective relationships with implementing partners, providing technical and operational support where required.
• Represent Geneva Call with key stakeholders, including members of armed groups and de facto authorities, supporting relationship building and ensuring effective delivery of programming.

Requirements

Education (Essential)

• Graduate degree in International Relations, Political or Social Sciences, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, Development Studies, or related field.

Experience (Essential)

• 10 years of relevant experience in humanitarian organizations, preferably including protection sector programming, including at least 3-5 years in senior programmatic leadership roles, in international positions.
• Proven record in programme development, implementation, project cycle management, and budget oversight, with experience in managing large portfolios.
• Experience working in conflict and complex emergency settings.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with armed actors or other non-state actors in a neutral and principled manner.
• Experience in building and managing partnerships with civil society, INGOs, UN agencies, and donors.

Job-related Competencies

• Strong strategic and operational planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Solid understanding of donor compliance frameworks and accountability requirements.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and diplomacy skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project cycle management, MEAL systems, and budget monitoring.
• Knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and protection principles is an asset.

Personal Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, adapt to rapidly changing contexts, and make sound decisions.
• Strong leadership qualities with a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and commitment to Geneva Call’s values.
• Results-oriented, solution-focused, and proactive mindset.

Languages (Essential)

• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Arabic.

Organizational Values

Humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, accountability, dedication and respect: these seven fundamental values underpin all of Geneva Call’s work.

Additional information

• The incumbent must be willing and able to travel at short notice.
• Testing and interviewing will be used as a form of screening.
• Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.
• Additional background checks may be required.

Why join Geneva Call?

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions fostering an inclusive working environment for all staff.

This role offers the opportunity to shape policies that protect civilians in conflict zones, contribute to life-saving humanitarian initiatives, and work at the forefront of international legal advocacy. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact in some of the world’s most challenging contexts, we look forward to your application.